Following Akwa United’s 3-1 win over Bendel Insurance on matchday 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Wednesday, caretaker coach of the team Umar Abdullahi has described the victory as a morale booster for his team, adding that they need to replicate their home form in the remaining away matches to ensure they reclaim their lost points.
A goal in each half by Ubong Friday and a first-half goal by Sani Suleiman gave the 2021 champions a 3-1 win over Bendel Insurance whose consolation goal was scored by Zaidu Ayuba in first -half stoppage time.
Ubong Friday gave his side the lead in the 21st minute when he headed in a rebound after goalkeeper Amas Obasogie spilled Ubong Essien’s rocket shot. Moments later, Ubong Friday turned provider when he skillfully squared a low pass to Sani Suleiman inside the box for the striker to score his fourth goal for the club since arriving in mid-season.
As the Promise Keepers were aiming to head into the half-time break with a healthy advantage, Zaidu Ayuba fired in a shot in first-half stoppage time to reduced the deficit but Ubong Friday scored from the spot in the 75th minute to put the game beyond the visitors after Daniel Japhet was brought down in the box.
The win was the second back-to-back victory for the Promise Keepers this season after beating Enyimba by the same scoreline nine days earlier as they claimed their 7th win of the season.
Despite the positive result Akwa United stayed in 17th position on 27 points from 25 matches comprising 7 victories, 6 draws with twelve loses.
Caretaker coach Umar Abdullahi commended his players for their fighting spirit and commitment but encouraged them to be ready to take that same spirit to their remaining away matches.
“This is a big win for us, it’s a morale booster because winning two straight home games and scoring three goals in each of those matches shows that there is something we are doing right. My players gave their all, they played for each other and our attacking football paid off and that is how we got the desired result, The home support is overwhelming and with the determination of my players I’m sure we won’t drop any point at home again.
“Our major target now is on how to continue with this kind of mentality especially in the remaining away matches. We have to put an end to our poor away form because we can’t afford to play well and not getting results on the road, we have to continue pushing our way up the table and that can only be possible when we start picking points on the road”
Akwa United will next engage Gombe United at the Pantami stadium this weekend in what will be matchday 26 tie before taking on Plateau United in Jos next weekend.
